Move to shut Dabolim airport sparks political storm

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and MLA Altone D’Costa briefing the media to oppose any move to shut down Dabolim airport.

MARGAO
Expressing shock and surprise over the file reportedly moved by the Navy to shut Dabolim airport for civilian use, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao demanded an immediate clarification from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the status of Dabolim airport.

Congress Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa has warned the BJP that people of South Goa will not sit quiet and watch the BJP shutting down the Dabolim airport to benefit GMR.

Addressing an urgent press conference, the Opposition Leader recalled that he had cautioned the Chief Minister four years ago that Dabolim will become a ghost airport in the future since no two airports in close proximity can be economically viable. “Last four years, we have been telling the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte how Dabolim air traffic, both domestic and international passengers have been going down. The CM gave us a lollipop. But, now what we had apprehended is becoming true as the Navy has proposed shutting down of Daborlim,” he said.

Demanding immediate clarification from the Chief Minister and Defence Minister, Alemao said any attempt to shut down Dabolim will spell doom for tourism and business in South Goa.

He claimed that Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has received a diktat from the Centre that Dabolim will be shut down. “Our South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes has written to the Defence Minister. We want the Chief Minister to immediately clarify on the matter. Dabolim is sought to be shut down to benefit GMR, which has already benefit a lot from the State government by way of land and taxes,” he added.

Issuing a stern warning to the government not to play with the sentiments of the people of South Goa, Yuri said Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho and all MLAs from Mormugao taluka should clarify their stand on the Dabolim airport. “Let the CM give a clarification first whether he is aware of any proposal by the Navy to shut down Dabolim. Accordingly, we will plan the next course of action,” he warned.

Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa gave a call to the people of South Goa to unite and save Dabolim from closure.